Adop a Highway

[zuma]

Jim and Linda asked, and I am moving it to it’s own thread since it is a question to the candidates:

Alot of good actions taken by the BOD.

Last summer, I noticed the Adopt-A-Highway signs for OUR WGA, along Hwy. 10, between Appleton and Manitowoc. I assume this was action taken by the BOD.

Since we had 2 miles to clean up in Wisconsin, why was the CITO held in Wausau, when the BOD’s already committed to Hwy. 10?

Are all the WGA members aware of this stretch of road? After reading cheeto’s post, I guess not.

Plus, the signs were up BEFORE the Campout at High Cliff, the perfect time to get a large group out there while they were already about 5 miles from the area!

Any comments?

(I realize this is for candidate comments. If you need to move it to a different thread, feel free)

[uws22]

I see no reason why a CITO event can’t be created for this stretch by the WGA BOD twice a year (that’s what our Lion’s Club schedules anyway). The event doesn’t have to be full blown or extravagant, just people there to do the clean up. I looked for other states doing this, and saw different Montana, California, Arizona, Ohio and Texas regional associations already doing this same thing. With the location we already have, I’d predict at least 20 cachers showing up, which is more than enough to cover the road (we only use 10-12 for our stretch).

[thepharmgirl]

Yes. I agree. The WGA should commit to a CITO Event twice a year for our Adopt-a-Highway segment. Nothing fancy needed. Provide the garbage bags and maybe lemonade and that’s it. At the end of the day, you get a cool CITO icon and a warm fuzzy feeling knowing you helped give back to the sport. Perhaps cachers would like to meet at a restaurant or something afterward. Or maybe they’ll just cache their way home. 😀

[Team Black-Cat]

I hope I don’t ruffle any feathers, but the Adopt-A-Highway issue seems to have been pushed to the back burner and been nearly forgotten about. I have asked about this a couple of times as have others, and the reasons given have been less than satisfying.

The Wausau CITO in no way would have been in conflict with cleaning up the stretch of road that we have obviously commited to. With a few exceptions, the attendees of the Wausau event were local cachers. Even if the cleanup was scheduled on the same day, there would be more than enough volunteers.

There doesn’t need to be a formal event tied to the roadside cleanup, but I don’t see any reason that there couldn’t be. I’m sure there would be more volunteers if there was an event associated with the cleanup.

I was first made aware of our commitment to the Adopt-A-Highway project in October of 2007. The last “official” word that I have seen was in April of last year. The signs have been up for a couple of years. It’s time to get serious about this or notify the DOT that we aren’t interested.

[labrat_wr]

Calling out from the BOD minutes from 2/22/2009

Adopt a Highway
Justin shared communication he’s had. New leadership in DOT seems more interested in the program now. Three times per year expected for our stretch.

Highway 10 about halfway between Appleton and Manitowoc is the designated section for the WGA. Sign is up.

Getting the supplies from the DOT is next step.

I don’t know how long ago this commitment was solidified but it looks like we have an obligation to make this happen. I would be willing to assist in planning and on the decided days as I know others will do also, and I would do this whether elected to the BOD or not.

I don’t think the WGA has necessarily dropped the ball on this. Only that it lacks a champion.

Disclaimer : Always answering to a higher power.

[-cheeto-]

Jim – Great input and post.

As I have mentioned already (and perhaps sparked interest in) I would like our group to take this responsibility seriously.

Whether I am on the board or not, I will be stepping up to organize this year’s “Appleton” CITO event to cleanup our adopted stretch of highway 10. It’s a great fit and a really good next step for our annual spring event.

While the city parks in Appleton ALWAYS need help so does our adopted highway. With it being in close proximity to Appleton, I think we could get the same number of attendees if not more than last year.

We will review the requirements for WGA regional event status and determine if the event should go this route or not. Either way, WGA members will organize a spring cleanup so other WGA members can get out there and do some good for the environment and our community.

Jim has volunteered to assist with this years effort. Thanks Jim! 🙂

It sounds like we just lost focus as a group on this and need to hold up to our end of the bargain.

If anyone else has any input into the event or wants to help out, just send me a PM or email.

[K0rpl]

Yes, I do apologize for the Adopt A Highway Mess. They had some changes at the DOT who were working with this, and I had sent over 30 Emails, and had two replied to. Finally about three Months ago, I had them send me one roll of Clear Plastic Bags. That is it. I have contacted them about the Vests, and the Flags that they normally give out for the helpers to wear, and the “Slow Down” Flag that you are to put on the Adopt a Highway Sign to let people know that you are working. I got one email back from the DOT last week, and it said they were not proving the vests, or the flag in the future, but would see what they could do… I guess that is where out Tax Payer Dollars go!

Yes, I do want to get this going, and have plans to publish a CITO Event for April for that stretch of Highway.

This entire project has been just like pulling teeth. No replies to emails, or Voicemails.

I was told last January that there was going to be a new person of contact for the Adopt A Highway program at the state level, and that he would be responding to me.

15 emails later, I finally get a reply about the Vests, and Signs. The Plastic Bags, are in my possession for the CITO Event.

[Averith]

I agree we need to step up and get this done come the spring. Every time we drive on hwy 10 headed to Appleton I’ve been wondering about this. I would be happy to help with setting up a cito event to get this done.

[Barry Butrymowicz]

Making it a event would draw more help and get it done quicker. everyone gets a smiley for it.

I’m sure if we went and hid temp caches on both sides of the road .1 miles apart for the whole 2 miles and picked them up along the way everyone could get at least 20 temps too.

BTW i’m just kidding about the temps, but It just struck me as humorous at the moment.

[K0rpl]

Yes, it will be an actual CITO event. That is what was talked about. I would like to see this done atleast twice this year. They used to request three times a year, but they realize that they would rather get it done fewer times rather than not at all. Yes, the first CITO event will be happening in April.

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